Big electronic signs are the first thing drivers see along State Route 9W in Orangetown between Nyack and Sparkill, warning them to drive carefully because there’s rough road ahead for the next 3 miles – in both directions.
Mohammed, of Yonkers, says he experienced the problematic road firsthand earlier this month while heading to work at the Silver Lake SmokeShop off 9W.
“Pothole after pothole after pothole. It’s just not good,” he said.
Mohammed said a pothole damaged his tire, forcing him to pay $25 for a patch-up at a local shop.
“Every time you hit a pothole, you go ‘Shhhh,’ but that one hurt. That one hurt a lot,” he added with a grimace.
He also worries about the safety of other drivers.
“I think they just have to work on the roads. Really start to do something about it because it’s just going to get worse,” Mohammed said.
News 12 heard from viewers with similar complaints, citing both safety concerns and the poor condition of the roadway. A drive along the stretch shows numerous trouble spots, despite some areas having been recently patched.
According to a spokesperson for the New York State Department of Transportation, repair crews are actively working to address potholes around the clock across the Hudson Valley, including along Route 9W.
In a statement, the agency noted, “While potholes commonly form during the winter months, this year’s problem has been intensified by recent severe weather and repeated freeze–thaw cycles.”
Officials remind the public that potholes on state-owned highways can be reported by calling 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653).